Author Archives: vatg4him

05.08.15
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The Endless Dance

Job 30:17- At night my bones are filled with pain, which gnaws at me relentlessly. (New Living Translation)

Herbert Bowen, Jr. Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Herbert Bowen, Jr.
Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Where does it come from? At what point will this cutting pain dissipate? Why must these pins and needles play with the muscles? For their dance has led to lack of sleep. Their dance has created spasms that have left us breathless. Their dance has rendered our schedules useless, which has kept us from completing the tasks of our day. Pain is nothing but an admonition to tell us that something is wrong. Pain is the sensor that lights up to make us cognizant that we must pay attention. Pain is the brakes that slow us down to a grinding halt. Therefore, may we revel in our thorns that have pierced our flesh, because like Paul who asked, “three different times for the Lord to take it away,” he found that His power was greatest when weak, “so that the power of Christ could work through him” (2 Corinthians 12:8-9). Thus, pain is crucial as it strengthens our resolve and steadies are minds.

 

#Godsway

Herbert writes weekly devotionals to combat the decreasing morality in the 18-30 age group a.k.a., “the transition gap.” This is an effort to re-introduce Jesus Christ to this spiritually starved generation. He is a graduate of Purdue University with a degree in Business Management. He is also the founder of B.T.E.P. (Bringing Together Extraordinary People), a Charlotte, N.C.-based nonprofit with a mission to unite professional athletic organizations in accordance with their neighboring counties in the Greater Charlotte area, and to improve underprivileged athletic programs and share in the duty of empowering disadvantaged youth within their communities.

Learn more about Herbert Bowen, Jr., here. 

 

05.06.15
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The Sweet Smell of Victory

And the satraps, administrators, governors, and the king’s counselors gathered together, and they saw these men on whose bodies the fire had no power; the hair of their head was not singed nor were their garments affected, and the smell of fire was not on them. (Daniel 3:27)

Jill Tomlinson, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer, co-founder of Transcend Ministries

Jill Tomlinson, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer, co-founder of Transcend Ministries

The men referred to in this scripture were Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—friends of Daniel and servants of the Living God. When they refused to bow and worship King Nebuchadnezzar instead of the One True God, the king was enraged. The penalty for their rebellion was death by fire. King Nebuchadnezzar instructed his men to heat the fire seven times hotter than usual before throwing the three men into the pit. Surely this would quench his prideful rage and satisfy his wrathful vengeance.

The fire was so hot that the men responsible for throwing them into the blazing inferno burned to death as they approached the rim. However, something very different happened to Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. They fell into the fire, but they were completely untouched by it. They were not alone in the blaze. When King Nebuchadnezzar looked into the fire, he saw another man walking with them, and when they emerged from the fiery flames, the three men were totally unharmed!

shadrach meshach-fiery-furnance-360x513

Even when they were facing death by fire, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego never saw themselves as victims. They saw themselves as victors. They knew beyond any doubt that they were God’s and as such, they would prevail. The fire had no power on them. Even their hair and clothes were untouched. And perhaps most amazing of all, they didn’t even smell like smoke!

Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. (2 Corinthians 2:14)

Like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, we have a choice in every situation. Will we see ourselves as victims to the circumstances of life and react accordingly, or will we refuse the lie and choose to believe truth instead? As children of God, we have been made victorious through Christ. When we look to Him—the fourth Man in the fire, we will diffuse the sweet fragrance of Him, instead of the stench of smoke.  The fire may get hot, but it has no lasting power on you and me as children of the Living God!

If you find yourself in a difficult, hot mess today, choose to walk as a victor and trust the fourth Man in the fire. Stay in His protective embrace. Victors aren’t victors because they have never walked through a fire. Victors are victors because they choose to walk in Truth!    

– Jill

Jill is an author, writer, speaker, and teacher. In her book, No More Lies, Jill leads others through the same journey of biblical truth that brought her freedom and wholeness. Jill and her husband, Jimmy, are the founders of Transcend Ministries—a ministry dedicated to empowering the body of Christ and making disciples worldwide through teaching, writing, and evangelism. They reside in Colorado and have four amazing children—two daughters, a son, and a son-in-law. For more information or to order her book visit www.transcendministries.org.

Learn more about Jill Tomlinson here.

05.05.15
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Subterranean Iniquity

And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account. –Hebrews 4:13

Jason M. Alexandre, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Jason M. Alexandre, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Usually when we think of the word “subterraneous” or “subterranean” we define it as something that lies or operates underneath the surface of the earth. However, this word could also be defined as something or someone that exists or operates out of sight or secretly. At times in our lives there have been subterranean iniquities a.k.a., sins that we have either failed to confess or knowingly attempted to cover up. What is sin? Summed up, it is an offense against God’s religious or moral law. It is the debased, depraved, or corrupt state of human nature in which the self is estranged from God a.k.a., in a wrong relationship with our creator. “So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.” –James 4:13

Bishop J.C. Ryle, an 18th century Anglican preacher and prominent writer, once wrote this quote and I believe it’s still applicable today: “Do nothing that you would not like God to see. Say nothing you would not like God to hear. Write nothing you would not like God to read. Go no place where you would not like God to find you. Read no book of which you would not like God to say, “Show it to me.” Never spend your time in such a way that you would not like to have God say, “What are you doing?”

It’s worth considering. “For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro through-out the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him.  –2 Chronicles 16:91-John-19-If-We confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive

You say, “Well then! How am I supposed to have any fun!?” Friend, I know without a doubt that you can have fun in the Lord and among his people. However, the truth is your life has to be clean in order to truly experience it. There is something about the Holy Spirit that lives within the Believers of Jesus Christ that before you can experience the joy and the fun you can have in him, he first prompts you to “go and sin no more.”  He says, “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”  –Psalm 37:4   Our lives ought to be holy so that the presence of the Lord can be with us and ultimately so that we can be used for his glory and the Kingdom of God.

“This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”  –1 John 1:5-9  Forgive-Me- 1 John 1-9

Jesus stands ready to forgive and save the unbeliever. Likewise he is always ready to restore the fallen believer. Will you draw near to him? He wants you to. It’s my prayer that you do today. Amen

-Jason

Jason’s vision is for the gospel to continue to spread throughout the world and believes it is Christian’s responsibility to carry out this mission effectively. To learn more about the organization for which Jason volunteers, please visit www.HaitiChristianity.org.

Learn more about Jason M. Alexandre here.

05.05.15
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Meet the Team: Q & A With Destiney Bishop

Savvy in social media with a passion to advance communities, lives and organizations through skilled communications strategies, we were excited to welcome Destiney Bishop as our Digital Media Coordinator in October 2014. In her role, Destiney assists in our social media engagement to uplift various conversations within the Body of Christ and to support the Voices Against the Grain mission of “advancing God’s Kingdom in a ‘do your own thing’ society.” What does Destiney enjoy doing in her spare time? What does having a relationship with God mean to her? Learn more about Destiney in the Q&A below.

Destiney Bishop, VATG Digital Media Coordinator

Destiney Bishop, Voices Against the Grain Digital Media Coordinator

Where are you from?  I am a military brat, so I would say I am from all over. I was born in Biloxi, MS, lived in Suffolk, England, and went to high school in Prince Georges County, Maryland. Since I have spent most of my life in Maryland, I usually claim PG County – Clinton to be exact!

When is your birthday? May 5, which I also love to call #CincodeDessie

How did you come to join the Voices Against the Grain team?  I had the pleasure of working with Voices Against the Grain founder, Nicole Hayes. Nicole would tell me about the work she was doing with VATG and I became extremely interested! From there, the rest was history.  🙂

What is your favorite childhood memory? Holidays with my grandparents. I have a very large family so it was always great to be around them during holidays. Plus, each holiday my grandmothers would cook a big feast and the food was AMAZING!

As a Christian, what is your understanding of why God allows trials/temptations to come into our lives? I truly believe that everything happens for a reason. Sometimes we forget that God already has the answer. I believe God brings us to certain trials/temptations in order for us to trust Him. It’s easy to give up when faced with difficulty but as Christians we are reminded that God has the final say. For me, these trials/temptations are merely tests and in the end bring me closer to Him.

What do you do in your spare time? In my spare time, I like to hang out with my best friends, explore new restaurants – especially going to brunch, watch classic ’90s television shows like Martin and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, reality television and of course Netflix! I also love to sleep (one can never get enough sleep) and travel!

What is your favorite bible verse? Wow, I have soo many! Philippians 4:6-7, Philippians 4:13, Proverbs 3:5-6, Luke 12:48.

What does having a relationship/walk with God mean to you? It’s everything to me. I was raised in the church and my grandmother always emphasized the importance of having a relationship with God. As a young Christian, I will say my walk hasn’t always been easy but I’m constantly reminded that without a relationship with Him, I am nothing. I’m certain that I wouldn’t be who I am without a relationship with Him.

What is your favorite food? I like all types of food, and my favorite food changes every day. If I had to pick, I would say BBQ and Mexican.

If you had a superpower what would it be? As a busybody who loves to travel, I would love to teleport to places.

Is there anything else we should know about you? 1) I have really odd sneezes. 2) I recently moved to NY so exploring a new city is exciting! 3) I have many sisters (and although they can be annoying at times, I love them very much).

 Learn more about Destiney Bishop here.

05.04.15
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Baltimore: What Our Words Really Mean

Nicole D. Hayes, Founder, Voices Against the Grain

Nicole D. Hayes, Founder, Voices Against the Grain

“Cultural competency training.”‎ “Treat people like you want to be treated. ” “Civility.” “#BlackLivesMatter.” “Inequality.” “Injustice.” “Bad apples.” “Accountability.” “Added protections.” “Depraved-heart murder.”

These are some of the words and phrases that emerged from last week’s conversations surrounding the volatile and tragic Baltimore riots. The unjustified death of 25-year-old Freddie Gray while in Baltimore police custody surfaced familiar feelings of anger among Blacks and others. Another Black man was dead at the hands of police and it was uncertain if anyone would be held accountable, as seen in other cases across the country.

 

To the aforementioned familiar terms introduced in this piece…here’s what those words really mean— and their potential to drive the desired community, national and global outcomes we seek:

God’s love. Man and woman He created in His image (Genesis 1:26-27). Fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14), God fashioned each of us. Create in me a clean, pure heart and renew a right spirit within me  (Psalm 51:10). Help me to extend to others faithfulness, gentleness, goodness, joy, kindness, love, patience, peace and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Let me seek another’s highest good. To love one another as Christ loves us. (John 13:34). Jesus is the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6), and more…

 

Are we naive to believe that society’s morality will progress if not for a heart transformed by Christ Jesus? If this transformation doesn’t occur within each person, then we will continue to battle injustices as there will have been no transformation of the heart. Those unchanged will audaciously and ignorantly operate in their own version of “truth” thinking their version is superior to The Truth, God’s Truth.

Baltimore riots April 2015 woman faces police

Baltimore riots April 2015 raise the race conversationLofty hopes of new laws, programs and trainings will fail as some people hold onto their self-interests rather than invite Christ to be the Captain of their lives; their Lord and Savior, the resident and president of their lives. So long as humans subscribe to their wills and not the will of God, injustices (whether or not intentional, driven by self-interests and self-centeredness) will persist.

 

As someone who hopes for the hearts of mankind to change, it is not my desire to be a “Debbie downer.” I am simply sober about the realities many fear to acknowledge, even though the patterns repeat and intensify with every generation. Rather than push for another program to be created, pray for hearts to be transformed by Christ Jesus.

-Nicole

Nicole D. Hayes is the founder of Voices Against the Grain, a bold teaching ministry launched in May 2013. Nicole’s purpose in creating Voices Against the Grain is to be light in darkness, to boldly instruct truth amid confusion so as to bring clarity and restoration.

Learn more about Nicole D. Hayes here. 

04.30.15
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Meet the Team: Q & A with Jason M. Alexandre

You read his weekly devotionals. Bold messages wrapped in sound scripture to deliver a specific Holy Spirit-inspired word. Jason is a social worker and is passionate about spreading the Gospel. He also enjoys annual mission trips with Haiti Christianity, Inc. Jason joined the Voices Against the Grain ministry team in mid 2014 and we’ve been blessed by his service since! What’s his favorite food? Favorite scripture?  Learn more about Jason in the Q&A below.

Jason M. Alexandre, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Jason M. Alexandre, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Where are you from? Limerick, PA

When is your birthday? November 29

How did you come to join the Voices Against the Grain team? The Lord led Herbert Bowen to invite me to become part of the team.

What is your favorite childhood memory? Hanging out with my cousins. We’re about 2-3 years apart from one another in age and we used to hang out a lot.

As a Christian, what is your understanding of why God allows trials/temptations to come into our lives? My understanding is that we share in the suffering of Jesus Christ and through our trias/temptations we become more like him in each victory.

What do you do in your spare time? I like to work out and read in my spare time.

What is your favorite bible verse? 2 Timothy 1:7 “For God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

What does having a relationship/walk with God mean to you? Since God is sovereign, omniscient, omnipresent, and omnipotent, having a relationship with God means that I can walk confidently in a fallen world knowing that no matter what, according to the Word of God, not only do I have a God who loves me immensely but he will never forsake or leave me.

What is your favorite food? Hot wings!

If you had a superpower what would it be? To fly (Have wings).

Is there anything else we should know about you? Simply, that I Love the Lord. He brought me out of a lot and each year he teaches me something new about himself.

 Learn more about Jason M. Alexandre here.

04.29.15
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I See You

Luke 12:35- “Be dressed in readiness and keep your lamps lit.” (New American Standard Bible)

(This is dedicated to Monica, thanks for your kind words.)

Herbert Bowen, Jr. Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Herbert Bowen, Jr.
Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

“Keep watch and don’t be caught off guard.” This sentence is one that resonates in my heart and mind each and every day. Why?  Because you never know who is looking to you to stay strong, so they might have a shoulder to lean on. Is this task easy? Not at all, but when we can see a man or woman practicing what they preach, it encourages us. It keeps us secure. It allows us to realize that truth does have a part in this world, and not everything is dimly lit. Why? Because we have the Divine Oil that keeps our lamps burning throughout the night, so others might be able to keep the path in sight. This life now becomes more than one individual—it becomes likened to a community of brothers and sisters who take care of one another. For the task held alone is not easy and the yoke is hard to bear; the reason why encouragement are the sobering words we ought to share.

#Godsway

Herbert writes weekly devotionals to combat the decreasing morality in the 18-30 age group a.k.a., “the transition gap.” This is an effort to re-introduce Jesus Christ to this spiritually starved generation. He is a graduate of Purdue University with a degree in Business Management. He is also the founder of B.T.E.P. (Bringing Together Extraordinary People), a Charlotte, N.C.-based nonprofit with a mission to unite professional athletic organizations in accordance with their neighboring counties in the Greater Charlotte area, and to improve underprivileged athletic programs and share in the duty of empowering disadvantaged youth within their communities.
Learn more about Herbert Bowen, Jr., here. 
04.28.15
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No, I’m Not Dating and I’m Doing Great!

Nicole D. Hayes, Founder, Voices Against the Grain

Nicole D. Hayes, Founder, Voices Against the Grain

I hesitate to give this topic any more oxygen than it requires. I write in hopes to squash fears and encourage the hopeless. I’m an attractive, intelligent, single godly woman, successful, free to do as I please. I live in a city brewing with activity any day of the week with myriad opportunities to engage with highly cultured, educated and successful people. The aforementioned ingredients seem a prime cure to the perceived problem: my singleness. Several people have asked me the dreaded question: “Who are you dating?” My reply: “No one.” Their next question in rapid response, “WHY AREN’T YOU DATING??!”

From family, to colleagues and some friends who haven’t yet caught on, I realize they ask the question in love, and not to criticize me. They desire to see me fulfilled, perceiving that this area of my life is dead, denied or failed. Society has us under the gun to fill that slot with nearly anyone if we’re still single after 30. But rest assured: my singleness is a GIFT and I am doing great! I am living my singleness to the max; operating to the “nth” degree in service to the Lord and His Kingdom! My mind is straight focused on doing His will daily, hourly! It’s an absolute joy! Desires I have asked for in serving Him and His People, He is bringing to pass. There are married people who would happily trade places with me, realizing the freedom in which I live.

Yes, we all desire love and companionship. I have fallen in love with Jesus Christ, the lover of my soul. Anything beyond that is icing on the cake. Yes, I desire and sometimes yearn for the helpmate, husband and partner that God has for me. But I am worth the wait and so is he. In my wait and being prepared, the Lord has done a great work in me and I am encouraged by what He has shown me. Areas where I wasn’t previously patient, God has developed my patience. Areas where I offered less understanding or compassion, God has enabled me to extend greater levels of understanding and compassion toward others.

Another encouragement rests in a dream the Lord gave me a year ago conveying some of the character and physical traits this person will embody. Having advance knowledge of these particular traits enables me to pursue God’s work without the distractions of dating aimlessly and the potential drama that invites. I won’t be dating just any man as I know the particular traits to expect. I also won’t feel the need to “fix” my situation to where I may be operating precariously outside of God’s timing and will.

Ecclesiastes 3-11 he has made everything beautiful in its timeThose who are waiting on marriage or other desires placed before the Lord, Ecclesiastes 3:11 encourages us that “He has made everything beautiful in its time.” Additionally, Habakkuk 2:3 assures us of the Lord’s faithfulness: “Though it lingers, wait for it: it will certainly come and will not delay.”

Read encouraging “Single and Content” themed articles from Whole Magazine.

-Nicole

Nicole D. Hayes is the founder of Voices Against the Grain, a bold teaching ministry launched in May 2013. Nicole’s purpose in creating Voices Against the Grain is to be light in darkness, to boldly instruct truth amid confusion so as to bring clarity and restoration.

Learn more about Nicole D. Hayes here. 

04.27.15
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The Boulder Too Heavy to Lift

Philippians 1:30-We are in this struggle together. You have seen my struggle in the past, and you know that I am still in the midst of it. (New Living Translation)

 

Herbert Bowen, Jr. Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Herbert Bowen, Jr.
Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

The struggle, the struggle, the struggle, oh the struggle. “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world” (Ephesians 6:12). Thus, we must be well equipped to prepare ourselves for a celestial game of tug of war. This game is one that is stacked in favor of our enemies, as they recruited Goliath, the minions of the dark, and nefarious rulers of old to pull against us. With this crew they begin edging us closer to their side of the battle line, which was drawn since the day of our inception. Their tugs of guilt, defiance, and hopelessness fuel their strength, which ultimately depletes us. However, like ants in a colony, God works alongside us to provide the aid of Sampson, his angels, and saints of old to turn the battle in our favor, because when God is for us, who can stand against us.

 #Godsway

 

 

Herbert writes weekly devotionals to combat the decreasing morality in the 18-30 age group a.k.a., “the transition gap.” This is an effort to re-introduce Jesus Christ to this spiritually starved generation. His devotionals go out to 2,000+ people and continues to grow under the Lord’s watchful eye. He is a graduate of Purdue University with a degree in Business Management.

Learn more about Herbert Bowen, Jr., here. 

04.24.15
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Here’s the Picture, What Do You See?

Matthew 9:28- Jesus asked them, “Do you believe I can make you see?” “Yes, Lord,” they told him, “we do.” (New Living Translation)

 

Herbert Bowen, Jr. Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Herbert Bowen, Jr.
Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Eyes are the gateway to the soul. Eyes are the windows that reflect our truest intent, while revealing our cached weaknesses. Eyes, like a lie detector, can hardly be dissuaded from uncovering the truth. Eyes are the visceral shell of the inner sanctum of our souls. So it should come as no surprise that when Jesus healed the man, his eyes sparkled like fireworks in the midnight sky. For once he was shrouded in darkness, but God brought back the light. Once he had to imagine the countenance of his loved one’s, but God flooded him with love so he might behold their image. Once, they were hopeless, but God “touched their eyes and said, “Because of your faith, it will happen” (Matthew 9:29). Therefore, it was by faith that his eyesight was restored, and it was by faith that he will go and tell everyone about what the Lord hath done for him that day.

#Godsway

 

Herbert writes weekly devotionals to combat the decreasing morality in the 18-30 age group a.k.a., “the transition gap.” This is an effort to re-introduce Jesus Christ to this spiritually starved generation. He is a graduate of Purdue University with a degree in Business Management. He is also the founder of B.T.E.P. (Bringing Together Extraordinary People), a Charlotte, N.C.-based nonprofit with a mission to unite professional athletic organizations in accordance with their neighboring counties in the Greater Charlotte area, and to improve underprivileged athletic programs and share in the duty of empowering disadvantaged youth within their communities.

 

Learn more about Herbert Bowen, Jr., here.